Senior Mechanical Designer (Refrigeration | Thermal Systems | Chillers)

If you are a talented and experienced Mechanical Systems & Product Development Team Lead, Aplin has the right opportunity for you! Our client, a leader in their field, has partnered with Aplin to grow their team in Montreal, Quebec!

Main Responsibilities
System & Product Design

• Lead the system architecture and design of chillers and electrified heating units.
• Provide technical direction and review for team members’ design work, ensuring adherence to engineering best practices, project requirements, and industry standards.
• Perform and review thermodynamic, fluid flow, and heat transfer analyses to validate and refine designs.
• Oversee the selection and sizing of compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, fans, and control components to meet system requirements.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as a technical leader and mentor to mechanical engineers and junior team members.
• Guide the engineering team in problem-solving, design reviews, and technical decision-making.
• Foster a collaborative, learning-driven environment that supports skill growth and innovation.
• Align the team’s engineering deliverables with project goals, without direct project management responsibilities.

Prototyping, Testing & Validation

• Direct and support team members in prototype development, test planning, and validation activities.
• Review and analyze system performance testing results.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex technical issues.
• Serve as the mechanical engineering lead in cross-functional teams with electrical, controls, and global stakeholders.
• Support supplier development and ensure technical quality in outsourced components.
• Provide technical guidance to production, field service, and sales teams as needed.
• Review and approve critical technical documents, test reports, and performance data prepared by the team.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 8–12+ years of experience in HVAC, refrigeration, or chiller product/system development.
• Proven expertise in chiller system design, thermodynamics, refrigeration cycles, and mechanical system integration.
• Demonstrated capability in leading and mentoring engineering teams within a technical setting.
• Hands-on background in system prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Familiarity with global compliance standards (UL, CE, ASHRAE, ANSI, ASME).
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to lead technical discussions and resolve cross-functional issues.
• Excellent analytical, technical communication, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering software, as well as Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of HVAC control systems and electrification technologies preferred.

At Aplin — together with our brands CompuStaff and Impact Recruitment — we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.